On any other night, a welterweight scrap between Michael Chiesa and Max Griffin would be placed firmly on a main card, a highly anticipated bout at that.
At UFC 310, the final PPV for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2024, it was instead placed early on the preliminary card- though no less anticipated, really.
Chiesa landed a big early takedown off a jab on Griffin, who overcommitted on his own attack and paid for it. Looking to take the back, however, Chiesa would allow Max to escape back to his feet. Chiesa stayed on the back, but eventually, Griffin was able to free himself. On the feet, Griffin had his right hand cocked and kept the pressure on, though Chiesa was able to land a knee to the body in a brief clinch. Chiesa landed another takedown with 30 seconds left on the clock, but Griffin immediately scrambled free – only to end up back on the mat anyway.
After setting up his takedown entries so beautifully in the first, punching his way into them, Chiesa got a bit sloppy in the second, allowing Griffin to avoid at least three attempts early. Griffin then opted to clinch up himself, putting Chiesa on the fence. Not exactly Griffin’s world, however, and it eventually led nowhere. In the final minute, Chiesa would trap Griffin along the fence, threatening to take the back with one hook in. There was no takedown to be found in what was unquestionably a slower round, but it again appeared to have Michael Chiesa in the lead.
Round three saw Max Griffin go on the offensive early, and for good reason, likely behind two rounds. Chiesa was able to hold his own, firing punches back at “Max” Pain while circling outside. Catching a kick, Chiesa quickly took Griffin down, smoothly taking Max’s back. Moments later, a very tight rear-naked choke was in, and while Max tried to gut it out, after being forced belly down, he had no choice but to tap.
With the submission finish, The Ultimate Fighter: Live winner becomes the first man to submit Max Griffin. Not a bad night’s work for Michael Chiesa. On his own birthday, no less, with his cheering section singing “Happy Birthday” from the stands. Chiesa went on to dedicate the win to late UFC staffer Derek Thompson, and petition for a main event spot on the recently announced UFC Seattle.
Official Result: Michael Chiesa def. Max Griffin by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 1:56
